Field Guide

EnableSA Recruitment; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA Recruitment seeks an experienced field guide for a safari lodge environment in South Africa. The role requires hands-on guiding, guest interaction and coordination with lodge operations to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Candidates should have FGASA Level 1+, valid First Aid, and a PDP, with strong knowledge of wildlife and conservation. The position demands flexibility, including weekends and holidays, in a remote bush setting.

Qualifications

• FGASA Level 1 or higher with theory and practical components completed.
• Current tourist guide registration with the relevant Provincial Registrar, or ability to obtain registration before duties.
• Valid First Aid certificate.
• Valid Code 8 driver’s license and PDP.

Responsibilities

• Conduct guided game drives and bush activities.
• Host guests during lodge stay, including arrivals, departures, schedules and events.
• Coordinate guest requirements with lodge, kitchen and other teams; assist with menu coordination.
• Support front-of-house administration, including guest billing, procurement and stock control.
• Assist with monthly stock reporting and lodge inventories.
• Carry out room checks and support service standards across the lodge.
• Assist with transfers and other lodge duties as required.
• Track and locate wildlife using bush knowledge; report sightings and incidents.
• Promote responsible wildlife viewing and safe bush experiences.
• Maintain roads, viewing points and field infrastructure when required.

Skills

Field guide experience

FGASA Level 1+

Guide registration

First Aid

Driver's license PDP

Wildlife ecology

Guest service

Flexible hours

Job description

• At least 1–2 years’ experience as a field guide in a safari lodge or private game reserve environment
• FGASA Level 1 or higher, with the required theory and practical components completed
• Current tourist guide registration with the relevant Provincial Registrar, or the ability to obtain registration before undertaking tourist-guiding duties
• Valid First Aid certificate
• Valid Code 8 driver’s licence and Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
• Sound knowledge of wildlife, ecology and conservation, with strong communication and guest-service skills
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, and to work effectively in a remote bush environment

Responsibilities:

• Conduct guided game drives and bush activities
• Host guests during their lodge stay, including assisting with arrivals, departures, schedules, activities and special events
• Coordinate guest requirements with lodge, kitchen and other operational teams; assist with menu coordination when required
• Support front-of-house administration, including guest billing, procurement and stock control
• Assist with monthly stock reporting and lodge inventories
• Carry out room checks and support service standards across the lodge, including when the Lodge Manager is unavailable
• Assist with transfers and other lodge duties as required
• Track and locate wildlife using sound bush knowledge and fieldcraft; record sightings and report unusual animal movements or incidents
• Assist with wildlife counts, including off-season counts, and with conservation and environmental management activities
• Promote responsible and ethical wildlife viewing and contribute to a safe, educational bush experience
• Help maintain roads, viewing points and field infrastructure when required
• Put guest and team safety first during all guided activities
• Follow operating procedures, assess risks and respond appropriately to wildlife encounters and emergencies
• Inspect safari vehicles and guiding equipment regularly; keep vehicles clean, fuelled and ready for use
• Check that radios and safety equipment are serviceable, and report mechanical, safety or operational concerns promptly
• Complete guiding reports, wildlife sighting records, vehicle checklists and guest activity records accurately
• Maintain accurate fuel and mileage logs and assist with photographic or marketing content when required
• Follow lodge systems and procedures and keep relevant stock and operational records up to date